MINUTES OF CANTERBURY BRANCH AGM

APPRENTICE ROOM, RICCARTON RACECOURSE

WEDNESDAY 13TH JULY 2016 AT 1PM

PRESENT: A Carston, M Pitman, M Osborne, A Furlong, N Ridley, L Robinson,

T Rae, W Cooper

APOLOGIES: S Kennedy,B Court, K Parson, J Hay, Matthew Pitman

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – 23/7/15 passed as a true record.

Carston/Pitman

Matters arising:

Health & Safety Signage

FastTrack Insurance have indicated they will provide an entry sign – “You are now entering a horse-training facility which has multiple hazards….”.. This will be provided if you request a quote for insurance by sending them one of your invoices for an existing cover.

Mike Osborne is now providing signs with manual/packs when he has been contracted for H&S Compliance. These include – General Hazard sign, Assembly Point, Caution Horses and Exit signs.

Handicapping

M Pitman advised that the 60kg maximum was introduced. A spread of 6 kg has been seen an improvement.

NZTR/NZRB UPDATE

W Cooper reported that NZTA were very happy that Dr Alan Jackson had been appointed as NZTR Chairman. A recent road-show attended by all clubs and sector groups has seen strategies planned that appear to have the support of the majority of clubs, as well as the other codes. This was to be presented to the NZRB and if accepted, would see dramatic change and a substantial decrease in Racing Board expenditure and increase in revenue being returned to the thoroughbred industry. There is a window of opportunity for NZ racing that must be taken advantage of. Racefields legislation was also going to help with stakes and this is likely to be introduced in 2017.

W Cooper to investigate who paid for the Trackside crew who recently went to the NZB race in Inner Mongolia.

RIU

More warnings than fines are being applied.

Penetrometer readings were not always being provided – this was now clearly a requirement for a club as part of their licence. A Carston, who attended the Racecourse Managers’ Conference had also raised this subject and had been advised that the racecourse managers wished to be called when there were concerns. T Rae said that the readings were usually on the rail and not further out on the track.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

A Carston read his report – accepted by meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT

No report as no financial transactions/assets.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS –

President – Nominated: A Carston – Ridley/Pitman

There being no further nominations, A Carston duly elected.

Vice President – Nominated: B Court – Ridley/Robinson

There being no further nominations, B Court duly elected.

APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY/TREASURER

W Cooper will handle secretarial requirements. Treasurer not required

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE

All present at meeting plus Brian Court to comprise committee Pitman/Carston

PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES

M Pitman,ACarston and A Furlong

TRACK REPRESENTATIVES

Riccarton – A Carston & B Court

– tobe confirmed by A Carston:

Rangiora – M Stokes

Timaru – M Daly

Ashburton–J Hay

GENERAL BUSINESS

CONSTITUTION

Due to impending legislation, NZTA is required to update the constitution. There is much in the document that is now obsolete as it was written 40 years ago. The NZTA have with the assistance of a lawyer, been going through the clauses to ensure the necessary new requirements are included and at the same time, update the old content. A draft will be available for views 28 days prior to the National AGM being held on 16th September 2016 (TBC).

NZTA MEMBERSHIP
Following last year’s Canterbury Branch AGM, the Harness Racing system was investigated and adopted so that membership to the NZTA is now automatically part of a trainers’ licence – with no subscription cost. This is legal and there has ONLY been a low level of discontent from a small number of trainers. It was believed that having more members will mean access to greater benefits and it was the view of the meeting that these should be investigated ASAP. M Pitman also suggested forums for trainers be held reasonably soon that the new members can participate and have an opportunity to express their views.

PARTNERSHIP LICENCE FEES

A request has been made to NZTR for discounted rate for the licence for a second trainer in a partnership. This is likely to be introduced next season.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Concern regarding what has recently happened with Greyhound Racing in NSW being banned. W Cooper to follow up on the necessary procedure for when horses are retired, died or removed from stables.

HEALTH & SAFETY

M Osborne advised that over 100 trainers have secured his services to become compliant. Many of them are now in the process of applying for an ACC discount.

Audits are required for those trainers with 10 or more employees. It needs to show that the H&S Plan has been implemented and a demonstration of processes.

The identification of hazards at racing clubs should be done by trainers by completing the necessary form at the club. There was concern regarding the gates not closing around the Riccarton track. A walk-around the track to be conducted and a list of concerns written up and club advised. The potential could be for a sponsor – possibly one of the Horse Transport companies who could possibly sponsor automatic gates. It was believed a second quote for just one gate – rather than two be researched.

RANGIORA TRIALS

Concern was expressed at the recent lack of professionalism and safety at the Rangiora Trials. As there are to be 9 sets of trials at Rangiora, this must be addressed. It is understood it took over three hours to run 7 trials. This is unacceptable. A Carston to write a letter requesting professional staff and starter need to be utilized. Letter to also include suggestions regarding length of trials 600m and 1000m for 2 year olds – and that they be run first.

Discussion on whether there should be trials separating horses who have previously trialled/raced and those having their first trial.

TRAINER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

Agreed that the trainer nominees should follow the current rules that can include stakes and group/listed wins in the figures for horses who perform overseas, but who are domiciled in NZ for more than 50% of the season.

RATING 65 HORSES

It was agreed by the meeting that there is a lack of opportunity for R65 horses and many are missing out on a start. There was recently 44 nominations for a R65 mile and they only split it in two. The CD and Northern regions program a floating race so that dependent on the demand, a suitable race can be carded. They are also trialling R60 and R70 races and a watch will be kept on the flow-on effect of these. M Pitman believed that there should be Industry Days every 3-4 weeks that have R60/70 and 80 races programmed.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 3pm.